Each year, the Tasmanian Forest Festival nominates a significant beneficiary to receive the major proportion of the proceeds from that years event.
At the inaugural festival in 2004, the Royal Hobart Hospital Paediatric Unit netted a $4,000 windfall, which enabled them to purchase two purpose built wheelchairs to assist with transferring younger patients to and from their beds.
In 2005 we were delighted to be able to purchase a portable defibrillator (valued at $5,000) in-conjunction with the Geeveston Branch of the Lions Club for access by trained local emergency services employees and volunteers. The defibrillator is stationed at the Geeveston Police Station and in accessible by local emergency service personel.
The 2006 beneficiary was the soon to be established PCYC at Huonville and the committee were delighted to be able to hand over a $5,000 cheque to the Huon PCYC.
The PCYC are currently fundraising to develop one of the largest and diverse “community hubs” in Tasmania and were delighted to be involved in the 2006 festival.
Other community and sporting groups involved in making the 2006 event a success included the Huon 4WD Club, the Geeveston District High School, Dover Ambulance, Geeveston Guides, Huonville Scouts, Huon Netball Association, the Kermandie Football Club and the Variety Club. Each of these groups also received a portion of the remaining funds based on their level of involvement in the event. Funds distributed back to the community from the 2006 event totalled over $8,000.The successful 2007 beneficiary was the Huon Valley SES. Their proposal was to purchase training equipment to ensure that their volunteers were trained with the essential skills and qualifications needed to undertake a wide range of emergency situations.
The funds provided by the 2007 Tasmanian Forest Festival committee were used to purchase equipment including a data projector, LCD television, DVD/ VCR player and laptop computer. The addition of these valuable resources will increase the efficiency of the unit and its members.
The 2008 beneficiary was the McMullen Abbeyfield House. The funds provided by the 2008 Tasmanian Forest Festival committee was used to purchase a much needed ride-on lawnmower to assist with the upkeep of their extensive grounds.
Other community groups to benefit from the weekends activities include the Variety Club of Tasmania, the Huon PCYC, the Kermandie Football Club, Franklin Fire Brigade, Geeveston District High School, St James College, Geeveston Fire Brigade, Huon Scouts and Geeveston Guides. These groups assisted with the operation of the weekend, whether it be from clean-up teams to face painting or fairy floss – every bit of help assists in making the event a success.
